Use Hearing Protection with your AirPods Pro 2

With the active Hearing Protection feature, you can use your AirPods to help protect your hearing in loud environments.

If you’re in a loud environment like a live sporting event or fitness class, you can use your AirPods to help reduce your exposure to loud sounds around you. Hearing Protection¹ is active across all three Noise Control modes by default. Each mode provides different levels of hearing protection.²

Learn more about Hearing Protection (PDF)

Here’s what you need

AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware paired with any of these devices:

• iPhone with iOS 18.1 or later

• iPad with iPadOS 18.1 or later

• A Mac with macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later

Learn how to identify your AirPods model

Countries or regions where Hearing Protection is available

Test the fit of your ear tips

Before using the Hearing Protection feature, make sure your AirPods have a complete seal when placed in your ears. Proper fit will help you get the maximum amount of hearing protection for the Noise Control mode that you've chosen. To help make sure your AirPods have the proper fit, choose the best ear tip size and take the Ear Tip Fit Test (iPhone or iPad only).

If you have had your AirPods for a while and you receive a recommendation to adjust the fit of your AirPods, you can:

• Try a different size of AirPods Pro 2 ear tips. A multipack of silicone ear tip pairs comes in four sizes, so you can select the ones with the best fit. This pack comes with your AirPods Pro 2, or you can order a new pack of ear tips.

• Clean your AirPods Pro. Debris can affect the ability of your AirPods to provide a complete seal in your ears. You should also clean your AirPods periodically so Hearing Protection works as expected.

Use Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection is on by default when any Noise Control mode is turned on. The actual amount of sound reduction (attenuation) depends on how well your AirPods fit, the volume of the sound around you, and the Noise Control mode you're using. In Transparency and Adaptive modes, attenuation increases as your environment gets louder.

The attenuation values provided below for each Noise Control mode represent the expected protection levels for most people when exposed to sound levels of 100 dB, your AirPods have a good fit, and your AirPods are clean.

• Transparency mode provides 11-15 decibels (dB) of attenuation (or the amount of sound reduced). Use this mode when you want to maintain situational awareness, like at a concert or a sporting event.

• Adaptive mode provides 25-29 dB of attenuation. Choose this mode when sound levels vary or are unpredictable, like with city traffic or while commuting.

• Noise Cancellation mode provides 25-30 dB of attenuation. Choose this mode for a consistent amount of hearing protection, like in situations where you want to avoid distractions.

For reference, a fitness class, a car horn, or a nearby motorcycle can produce sound levels of 100 dB.

When Hearing Protection is off

The Hearing Protection feature is off when AirPods Pro have no battery charge, when Noise Control is turned off, or when Loud Sound Reduction is turned off in Accessibility Settings for Transparency and Adaptive Audio.

About environmental sound exposure

Hearing Protection helps protect your hearing in loud environments. The precise amount of time a person can spend in a loud environment varies by person, but there are general guidelines that you can follow to help you care for your hearing health. As the sound gets louder and the environmental noise level increases, the amount of time you should spend in that environment decreases.

If you have an Apple Watch, you can use the Noise app to measure the sound levels around you and alert you when sound levels reach a certain level.

Exposure limits with Hearing Protection

In environments where there's a sustained level of noise over a period of time, the difference between the environmental noise level and the respective total attenuation is your estimated exposure level. The exposure limits in the following tables represent the recommended maximum duration for this exposure, depending on the Noise Control mode you're using. Total attenuation and exposure limits³ vary with user fit and environmental sound level.

Exposure limits without Hearing Protection

The following table shows exposure limits when not using Hearing Protection at various noise levels.

Things you should know

• Improper fit of AirPods Pro 2 will reduce the Hearing Protection feature’s effectiveness in attenuating noise. Maximum attenuation will only be achieved if your AirPods fit and are worn properly.

• Hearing Protection may not be working as expected if you hear a whistling noise during use. Try refitting the AirPods.

• Periodic cleaning of AirPods and proper storage in their case are necessary for Hearing Protection to work as expected.

• Inspect AirPods before use and do not use Hearing Protection if AirPods are damaged.

• Improper use of Hearing Protection may lead to permanent hearing damage.

Learn more about safety and handling for AirPods